Halloween 2013

This year, Jovie dressed as a "way-e-bud" - also known as a ladybug.  :)  We participated in our Trick-or-Treat tradition by meeting at the McGinnis house, drinking cider and strolling around Fairlington with the adorable group of kids from our small group.  Then we go back and count the loot.  :)

Jovie had so much fun this year, and really figured out the system about halfway through trick or treating.  It was pretty cute to watch her running around the neighborhood, antennae bouncing.

These bunch of kids are so adorable, and we really love spending Halloween with them.

Reconnecting after my trip

I love spending time with my family to reconnect after a trip, and it's even more fun in the fall.

Sunday, October 27th

We spent some time on the canal towpath near Great Falls

 It is so pretty in the fall!

 Jovie loves hikin'

 We walked a very short distance down the Billy Goat Trail

 Back on the towpath

Jovie still loves it when we hold her like a baby sometimes

 Tuesday, October 29th

Goin' Shoppin' with Mommy

 Walking around Del Ray with our purchases

 Coffee and snacks at St. Elmo's in Del Ray

 At a playground in Del Ray

I texted Jess, since we were essentially around the corner, and we had a fun play date meet-up at the playground.

 Bouncin'

Jovie and I went on to Old Town and finished our shopping.  The ordinary times with family are so sweet after a trip.

And so begin the honest years...

While I was driving home today, an apparently regular habit of mine was brought to my attention by a little girl in the backseat.  I was muttering something under my breath, and Jovie said, "Mama, you talkin' ta Jovie or you talkin' ta Dude?"  I must snap out loud to other drivers all the time, and I must call them "Dude"!  Little ears are listening, and now a little mouth mirrors my bad habits...

Trip to the Philippines

From October 13 - 26, I traveled to the IJM offices in the Philippines, in Cebu, Manila and Pampanga.  It was a good trip, even though it started with an earthquake in Cebu, 7 hours after we arrived!

Our spot that we ran to during the earthquake

 After-effects of the earthquake

 With Boy in Cebu - Love our Philippines staff!

 The Richmonde Hotel in Manila

 Wall of Manila Conference Room

 View from Manila office

 Lunch with Manila crew

A little fun "hazing". Eating an entire piece of veggie sushi at once.  It was big and the staff thought it was hilarious!

 Weekend with Ann in Cebu at the resort

 Our cottage at the resort

 Spot on the beach

 Pools around the resort

 Sketchy and hilarious snorkeling experience (the boat definitely had to be bailed a couple times)

 Beautiful starfish in the cove of the resort

 View of the beach from our cottage

 Evening with mango smoothie on the beach

 With Raymond and Dan in Manila

 Hanging out with Ann in Manila was so fun!

 Karaoke in Pampanga at lunchtime

 With Gigi in Pampanga

Meanwhile, back at home...

Jovie had a week with Grandma Marie helping Daddy, and then Grandma Susie and Grandpa Chick.

Lots of playground time with Petey the Otter

 The zoo

 Snuggles

 Just some Daddy and Jovie time

 And presents from G&G